I’ve been thinking lately about how much pets especially dogsadd to our lives. They don’t care if we’ve had a rough day, made mistakes, or feel a little lonely. They’re just happy to see us, tails wagging, hearts wide open.
Dogs have this amazing way of teaching us simple but powerful lessons: loyalty, patience, forgiveness, and living in the moment. A walk with a dog can clear the mind, and a quiet moment with them beside you can feel like therapy without words.
I’m curious to hear from others here:
Do you have a dog (or another pet)?
What breed, and how did they come into your life?
Has your pet ever helped you through a difficult time?
If you don’t have a pet, is there a dog breed you’ve always loved or wanted?
Feel free to share a funny story, a sweet moment, or even a photo if the forum allows it. I think we could all use a few more smiles today
As we get a little older, life seems to slow down in some ways and in others, it brings new challenges. Children grow up, routines change, and sometimes the house feels a bit quieter than it used to. That’s where pets, especially dogs, can make such a meaningful difference.
My partner and I have had six rescued animals over the past 25 years. Five dogs and one cat. This is our first year without a pet. They have shared the story of our lives. The first rescue dog we got was this boy called Denver, and as you can see from the cuddle he’s giving me in the picture, he was very affectionate.
The rescue centre said he was ‘about five’ but our vet said he was around ten years old when he joined our family. He had a very traumatic past, having been used as a bait dog. He suffered from nightmares where he would wake up howling and hid food under carpets, because he had been starving when he was found straying. He was also covered in scars.
It was a truly beautiful experience to show him love and a happy life. He had his goofy moments. The first time we took him for a walk, he was wearing a coat and he went charging off skipping and jumping until it was up over his head!
He went on holiday with us, ran on the beach and even stayed in a hotel with us. He had a cat to snuggle with and later another dog. They all got along really well.
He was a quiet, gentle and dignified soul. He lived with us for four special years. I remember him with great love.
I once read an account by a doctor of a patient who had ‘died’ for a short time on the operating table. He was resuscitated and as he opened his eyes he said something amazing to the doctor. ‘All the dogs of my life came running to greet me.’
I believe they are all waiting patiently. And what a moment that will be.
